Storyline

Prominent attorney Brad Mason takes on the defense of Rudi Walchek, a young hit-man hoodlum accused of murder. Convinced of the youthful thug's innocence, Mason get him acquitted. Later, he learns from the murder-victim's father that Walchek is a low-level member of a protection-racket gang and was undoubtedly guilty. Mason is anxious to get the gang-leader, but when he discovers it is the eminently respected head of the city's Crime Commission, he feels that a conviction in a court-of-law would be impossible. In a rage, he kills the man, but all evidence, including the murder weapon points to Walchek. When the latter is again brought to trial, Mason, although he senses a higher justice is at work, feels he must defend him with the best of his ability.—Les Adams

Plot Keywords

courtroom, gunman, held at gunpoint, hired gun, hitman, informant, intrigue, investigation, judge, gang member, extortion, district attorney, 1950s, big city, circumstantial evidence, convict, criminal, crisis of conscience, deception, defense attorney

Short Review

Pretty good courtroom drama with an interesting twist. Walter Pidgeon (he of the fabulous authoritative voice from Forbidden Planet) is great as the naive civil attorney whose innocence is spoiled when he takes on a criminal case. The film is noir only by the broadest of definitions, but it's a good watch anyway.

Trailer

Streaming Service

1. Amazon Video : Rent from $1.99, Or $0.00 with a Prime membership